Get noticed. Bring people in. Keep them coming back.
Running a business or organisation takes time. Finding the right words, choosing where to promote yourself and keeping up with marketing can feel like another job entirely.
In partnership with Pen y Cymoedd, Welsh ICE is launching a new Mastering Marketing programme for social enterprises, third-sector organisations, small and micro businesses, and high street businesses.
Join practical workshops to explore ways to reach more people, bring in customers and make better use of your marketing time and budget.
Plenty to offer, but how do you get the word out?
Perhaps people walk past without knowing what you offer. Your social media posts get attention, but that doesn’t always turn into visits, enquiries or bookings. Or you’re putting so much effort into finding new customers that staying in touch with existing ones slips down the list.
These workshops give you time to work on those challenges, with practical ideas you can adapt to your own business or organisation.
Each session focuses on a different topic. You can attend one, several or all six, choosing what’s useful to you.
Book your next workshop
Maximising Footfall for Christmas
Tuesday 24 November 2026 | 6pm to 8pm
Cynon Linc, Aberdare, and live online
Give people a reason to shop with you this Christmas.
Explore achievable ways to get noticed locally, promote what you offer and encourage more people through your door. We’ll look at ideas for your shopfront, online promotion and working with neighbouring businesses.
Work on a short Christmas promotion plan, with practical actions to prioritise before the festive rush.
Particularly useful for shops, cafés, salons and other high street businesses.
Free if you’re from Aberdare. £10 if you’re from outside Aberdare.
These workshops are for established businesses within the eligible Pen y Cymoedd area. Check the individual listings for eligibility, dates, locations and booking details.
Bring in New Customers, Keep Them Coming Back
Thursday 21 January 2027 | 6pm to 8pm
Cynon Linc, Aberdare, and live online
Thursday 21 January 2027 | 6pm to 8pm
Cynon Linc, Aberdare, and live online
Getting someone through the door once is a good start. What gives them a reason to return?
Explore ways to reach new customers, encourage another visit and reconnect with people who haven’t bought from you for a while.
Work on a simple action plan for attracting new customers and encouraging repeat business, with ways to see whether your efforts are working.
Particularly useful for businesses that rely on visits, bookings or repeat purchases.
Free if you’re from Aberdare. £10 if you’re from outside Aberdare.ing on what’s useful to you.
These workshops are for established businesses within the eligible Pen y Cymoedd area. Check the individual listings for eligibility, dates, locations and booking details.
Both workshops are open to anyone interested in the topic. Choose in-person or online attendance when booking.
More workshops coming in 2027
There are four more standalone workshops planned, giving you the opportunity to focus on the marketing tasks that matter to you.
January: AI Tools for Busy Businesses
Explore practical ways AI could help with everyday business tasks. The session’s focus will be shaped by the needs businesses tell us about.
February: Create Content That Brings People In
Develop ideas for social media content that gives people a reason to visit, enquire or book.
February: Turn Interest into Paying Customers
Explore how to follow up enquiries and help interested people take the next step.
March: Tracking Marketing Data
Make sense of your marketing results and decide what to continue, improve or stop.
Dates, booking information and further details will be added as they are confirmed.
Business mentoring: a fresh perspective on your next steps
Alongside the workshops, Welsh ICE and Pen y Cymoedd are offering a business mentoring programme for established business owners in the Pen y Cymoedd area.
Looking for someone to talk things through with?
When you’re responsible for the business, it can help to have someone to discuss ideas with, challenge your thinking and help you consider your next steps.
Register your interest in receiving mentoring and tell us about your business and the support you’re looking for.
Could you share your experience?
If you’re an experienced business owner, your perspective could help someone else work through a challenge or consider a different approach.
We’re also inviting expressions of interest from people who would like to become mentors.
The form lets you tell us whether you’re interested in becoming a mentor or receiving support. Registering your interest does not confirm a place.
Mentoring enquiries are separate from workshop bookings. You can attend workshops without joining the mentoring programme, and attending a workshop does not secure a mentoring place.
Not sure which support is right for you?
Whether you have a question about a workshop, mentoring or taking part, contact [email protected].
Funding & partnerships
Some of our Leading Growth Series courses are funded by local councils, businesses and schools, helping us bring the programme to more areas across Wales. If you’re an organisation interested in running a course with us in your area, find out how to partner with us.